“That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who gained the respect of intelligent men and love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. Who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” — Unknown

Dewitt Talmadge Bates Sr., 87, a resident of Summit, passed away June 29, 2019, at Aston Court Retirement Community surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 2, 2019, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home and will continue Wednesday, July 3, 2019, between 9 and 10 a.m. at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home. Merrill Blalock and Dr. David Milligan will officiate and burial will be at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, Mississippi. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb is in charge of all arrangements.

Dewitt was born April 11, 1932, in Amite County. He was the son of the late Elliott Criss Bates Sr. and Ludie Mae Brabham Bates.

He worked many jobs but his last ones were millwright machinist for Brown and Root and working on his land raising cattle. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, and friend. He impacted many people’s lives with his values, humor and true appreciation for life. He was a member of the cattlemen’s association. He also attended services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lula Beatrice Randall and Marjorie Will; seven brothers, Elliott Criss Bates Jr., William Brown Bates, Henry Marshall Bates, Theodore Brabham Bates, Charles David Bates, Murray Quinn Bates and Milford Lewis Bates.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Clayton Bates; one brother, Richard Evans Bates; four sons and spouses, Howard Bates and wife Paddy, Doug Bates and wife Monica, Jeffery Sibley and wife Joann, Dewitt Talmadge Bates Jr. (Dee) and wife Jennifer; two daughters and spouses, Karen Byrd and husband Chris, and Rachel Barquin and husband Arturo; 12 grandchildren, Becky Padgett, Justin Gorby, Jason Bates, Dominic Bates, Danielle Bates, Chelsea Comeaux, Dylan Comeaux, Andrew Sibley, Gabriel Sibley, Madison Bates, Mary Katherine Bates, and Meredith Bates; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Howard Bates, Doug Bates, Jeffrey Sibley, Dewitt Talmadge Bates Jr. (Dee), Henry Marshall Bates Jr., William Bates(Bill) and Arturo Barquin.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Nelson, James Clark, Carl Ray and Vic Morrish.

To share condolences, please go to www.hartmanjonesfuneralhome.com.